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Your immune system is designed to protect you from infections and harmful invaders. But with autoimmune disorders, this defense system malfunctions—mistaking healthy cells as threats and attacking your own body.
More than 80 autoimmune disorders exist, and while the causes remain unclear, early diagnosis and management can significantly improve quality of life.
What Are Autoimmune Disorders?
An autoimmune disorder happens when your immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissue. This causes inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.
Autoimmune disorders can be:
- Organ-specific (e.g., Type 1 Diabetes)
- Systemic (e.g., Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Your body produces autoantibodies that attack normal cells, leading to a range of symptoms that may come and go in flares.
Common Symptoms of Autoimmune Disorders
Early symptoms often include:
- Fatigue
- Muscle or joint pain
- Swelling and redness
- Low-grade fever
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Hair loss
- Rashes
Each condition also has its own unique symptoms. For example:
- Type 1 Diabetes: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss
- IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease): Diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating
- Psoriasis: Scaly, itchy patches on the skin
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15 Common Autoimmune Disorders
Here are some of the most well-known autoimmune diseases:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Addison’s Disease
- Graves’ Disease
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
- Pernicious Anemia
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Autoimmune Vasculitis
- Celiac Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
What Causes Autoimmune Disorders?
The exact cause is unknown, but several risk factors may increase your chances:
- Genetics or family history
- Infections or viruses
- Certain medications
- Environmental exposure to toxins
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Being female (autoimmune diseases are more common in women)
- Already having one autoimmune condition
How Are Autoimmune Disorders Diagnosed?
There’s no single test to confirm an autoimmune disease. Diagnosis usually involves:
- Review of symptoms
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
One of the most common tests is the ANA test (antinuclear antibodies), which checks for general autoimmune activity. More specific tests may be needed based on suspected conditions.
Autoimmune Disorder Treatment Options
There’s currently no cure for autoimmune diseases, but many can be managed effectively with treatment.
Common treatments include:
- NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, naproxen to relieve pain and inflammation
- Immunosuppressants: Medications that calm the immune response
- Targeted symptom relief: For fatigue, rashes, joint pain, etc.
- Lifestyle modifications: Exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction can help minimize flare-ups
When to See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing chronic fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues, or unusual rashes, you may be showing early signs of an autoimmune disorder. Early diagnosis leads to better long-term outcomes.
Expert Autoimmune Care at BASS Medical Group
At BASS Medical Group, our Primary Care Providers and specialists are trained to evaluate and manage a wide range of autoimmune conditions. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized care plan to relieve your symptoms and protect your health.
Serving Walnut Creek and the Greater Bay Area, we’re here when you need answers.
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